Kingdom against Kingdom

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Matthew 24:1-28

Verse 4-- "And Jesus answered and said to them: 'Take heed that no one deceives you.'"

In the day we are living Christians need to KNOW the Word of God more than ever before. We need to check everything against what the Bible says. Many will come and deceive as the serpent deceived Eve. Just one or two "little" words can change an entire thought and an entire life. We need to know our Word and not just read it and memorize it, but make it an active and powerful part of our daily lives.

Verse 23,24--if anyone comes to you and says Christ is here or Christ is over there- don't believe it! "For false christs and false prophets will rise up and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible even the elect."  There are two kingdoms present in the world today. The kingdom of Christ and the kingdom of antichrist. Antichrist is a spirit at work in spiritual darkness and preys on the dark areas of a person's mind. Unregenerated people do not have the light of Jesus Christ in their inner most being. It is filled with darkness- even though they may be "good and upstanding" people. Even Christians may have areas of darkness in their minds due to disobedeince to the Word, strongholds that were never brough down- sin.  Although there will eventually rise a person known as the Antichrist- right now- even since satan and his angels (demons) were cast down- the spirit of antichrist has been present. It is trying to prevail today in the minds of men, even believers. It is anti (against) anything to do with Christ. Two kingdoms. One against the other. It is essential for us to know of which kingdom we are. Even Christians can be deceived when they allow that spirit of darkness to penetrate through their minds. We give it access when we take part of spiritual darkness. If we don't know our Word we will be deceived. Even after many deceivers are exposed- they still have a following- because their followers are deceived.

Verse 13 tells us that "he who endures to the end shall be saved." This word "endures" doesn't mean hanging on by a thread. It isn't a passive faith or Christianity. Strong's (#5278) defines it as "to hold one's ground in conflict, bear up against adversity, hold out under stress, stand firm, persevere under pressure, wait calmly and courageously."  It isn't just giving up and waiting out fate but it is an active, energized fighting the good fight of faith! An army never won a war by simply digging a hole and waiting for the war to end. We must be aggressive in our faith and in our lives. Part of that means to read, study, memorize and put into use the Word of God. Nothing deters the enemy more than a Christian knowing the Word and being obedient to the Word.

Verse 6 tells us to not be worried or troubled when we see these things come to pass: nations rising against nations, famines, diseases, weather catastrophes, lawlessness etc. These are a sign of the times and we must stand by the Word of God, fight with the Word of God, obey the Word of God--- and not give into deceptive ways. We must realize that satan's kingdom is at war but that the Kingdom of God WILL be victorious!  Two kingdoms- one against the other-- but only ONE will get the victory! Praise God! Don't be deceived into accepting another gospel, don't be deceived into accepting another way of life other than what Jesus has given. Read, study, obey and put into action the Word of God in your life. It is a fight for sure--but God leads us in Christ's triumph (2 Cor. 2:14)

John 14:6 "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'"

Acts 4:12 "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."

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